Linebacker Mike Mauti sustained a knee injury in the first quarter against Indiana that prevented him from playing the remainder of the game.

Head coach Bill O'Brien said he did not know the extent of the injury and would not rule out Mauti playing in next week's season-finale against Wisconsin. However, Mauti's parents cried on the field as the fifth-year senior sang the Alma Mater with the team, and teammates sounded fearful that the linebacker's season was over.

"If I had a knee to give him, I'd definitely give it to him," fellow linebacker Gerald Hodges said.

"There's always that bit of hope, that it's not something you have to deal with again," fullback Michael Zordich said.

Mauti has sustained two torn ACLs in his career, including one in September 2011 against Eastern Michigan. He was hit in the same leg Saturday by what appeared to be an illegal chop block. Mauti still was credited with a tackle on the play.

If the injury is serious, it's unclear whether Mauti would be inclined, or eligible, to apply for a sixth season of eligibility. He missed the 2009 season because of a torn ACL and eight regular-season games last season.

Defensive coordinator Ted Roof said he was "sick" over Mauti's injury.

"I love that kid," Roof said. "That kid's meant a lot to us, a lot to me personally. I have the utmost respect for him."